Elbow Dislocation
Overview
Definition
The elbow includes 3 bones, the humerus of the upper arm, and the radius and ulna of the lower arm. The bottom portion of the upper arm bone sits in a groove in the ulna. The end of the radius lies against the end of the upper arm bone and allows the forearm to rotate. A series of ligaments connects the bones and keeps them in place during movement.
An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones are pulled out of place. It often involves damage to the ligaments and sometimes damage to the bones. A dislocation will make certain movements impossible.
The Elbow Joint |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and what you were doing when your elbow was injured. Your elbow will be thoroughly examined to check for swelling and tenderness. Your doctor will may be able to make the diagnosis based on your symptoms.
An x-ray may be taken to look for evidence of the dislocation or fractures.
Other imaging tests may be done to see if there is any damage to nerves, blood vessels or ligaments:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Elbow dislocations are graded according to their severity:
- Simple dislocation—No major bone injury.
- Complex dislocation—Fractures of the bone and damage to surrounding tissue such as ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels are likely.
Treatments
Treatment
The doctor can manipulate most elbows back into place. Medications to relieve pain and help you relax will be given before the elbow is moved. Once the elbow is repaired, medication will be given to help reduce swelling and pain.
Other aspects of your treatment depend on the severity of the dislocation and other tissue damage.
Immobilization
The elbow joint will be immobilized with a splint or sling to help it heal properly. You may need to wear the support for up to 3 weeks, even if it was a simple dislocation.
Physical Therapy
Exercises and rehabilitation are an important part of recovery. Motion exercises are started as soon as possible to help prevent stiffness and permanent loss of motion.
Physical therapy can help restore strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
Surgery
Complex dislocations may require surgery to:
- Restore proper alignment
- Repair damaged bones ligaments, blood vessels, or nerves
An external hinge may be needed to support the bones while they heal. Future surgeries may also be needed to improve motion and remove scar tissue.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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All rights reserved.
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org
Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of General Surgeons http://www.cags-accg.ca
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
References
Elbow dislocation. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00029. Updated October 2007. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Elbow dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114044/Elbow-dislocation . Updated April 9, 2015. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Englert C, Zellner J, et al. Elbow dislocations: A review ranging from soft tissue injuries to complex elbow fracture dislocations. Adv Orthop. 2013.